Involvement of Service Users and Caregivers in Research

A key deliverable of the Suicide Prevention Strategic Initiative is the involvement of service users and caregivers in research - though, not solely as participants. Instead, the goal is to involve people with lived experience in every stage of the research process from the development of research questions and study design, to analysis of results as well as dissemination of research findings.

The Development of SUCRIG

In 2015, we created the Ottawa Chapter of the Service User and Caregiver Research Interest Group (SUCRIG) in suicide prevention which seeks to involve people with lived experience in research in suicide prevention as collaborators and instigators of research. Members with lived experience will inform the implementation of future research within the context of suicide prevention and/or other areas of expertise. Member feedback is not tied to a specific study; rather, it addresses barriers which currently exist for patients and clinicians. The ultimate goal is for the committee to influence policy reform.

The diverse group of SUCRIG members provide guidance, as needed, on a large scope of topics relating to suicide prevention research. This may include, but is not limited to:

Advice to researchers on potential research projects/questions, methodological standards in the design and knowledge translation as it pertains to mental health research;

Strategies for maximizing patient centeredness in research;

Strategies for participant recruitment, eligibility and evaluation;

Not being passive recipients of research but generating ideas for research. SUCRIG members can use researchers to help connect their projects to funding opportunities;

Approaches to suicide intervention and prevention, such as media campaigns which promote awareness, alternative therapies which reduce stigma, improved training for clinicians, etc.;

Approaches to supporting participants through treatment from both a clinical and a patient perspective;

Assisting to develop a large-scale mental health literacy campaign in the Ottawa Region;

Assisting to develop a website identifying SUCRIG’s platform.

Interested in participating in SUCRIG?

We are always looking for new members to participate in the SUCRIG! If you are interested in participating or have any questions about the group, please contact us at:

INVOLVE

INVOLVE was established in 1996 and is part of, and funded by, the National Institute for Health Research (NHS), to support active public involvement in NHS, public health and social care research. It is one of the few government funded programmes of its kind in the world.

Patients Canada

Formed in 2011, Patients Canada (formerly the Patients’ Association of Canada) is a national, independent organization that champions health care change that matters to patients. As the culture within health care continues to evolve, there is increasing demand for patients to partner in guiding improvement in many areas of health care and across care settings. Patients Canada has pioneered the practice of bringing the authentic patient voice to health care decision-making, ensuring decisions reflect patient priorities.

Patient Advisors Network (PAN)

The Patient Advisors Network (PAN) is a community of people who have received health services or cared for those who have, and who are committed to improving healthcare as advisors for the good of all across Canada. Together, we can create a greater, collective impact.

All ideas and opinions expressed on this website have been made available by the Hatching Ideas research group for educational purposes only and represent solely the opinions of this group. The ideas and topics represented here should not in any way be considered a substitute for medical advice from a licensed practitioner, and are intended only to promote general discussion and the exchange of ideas. If you have any questions about the content of this website, please contact nedgar@toh.ca